Randomised trial, 2023
Are there new drug treatments for PMDD besides SSRIs?
Yes. A new class of drugs called selective progesterone receptor modulators, specifically ulipristal acetate, significantly reduced PMDD mental symptoms compared to placebo with minimal side effects. More research is needed on long-term safety.
What they did
This review article examined current and new drug treatments for PMDD. The authors discussed how SSRIs work, the role of sex hormone changes in PMDD, and how newer drugs approach the problem differently by modifying hormone effects rather than regulating serotonin.
What they found
SSRIs help many but not all people with PMDD. Ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator, was compared to placebo in a randomized controlled trial and showed clinically significant reduction in PMDD mental symptoms with negligible side effects. The treatment produced stable, low progesterone levels.
What it means for you
New hormone-targeting approaches may help women with PMDD who don't respond to SSRIs. SPRM trial results are promising and bring us closer to understanding PMDD. However, larger and longer studies are needed on long-term safety and practicality for women of reproductive age. This remains exploratory, not yet a proven SSRI alternative.
5%
of women affected by PMDD
SPRM drug tested
ulipristal acetate
Negligible
side effects with treatment
About the study
- Original title
- New Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Authors
- Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E
- Journal
- CNS drugs
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01004-9
Topics
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